i have a 1985 model the left headlight gears are stripped out.that raise the light up and down someone told me to use a medal and a plastic gear.should i do this or use both metal gears.

The metal(bronze) gear sets will definitely last much longer than the cheapo nylon gears. I've replaced the gears on my '85 twice already with the nylon gears. I'll be goin for the Bronze next time I do it. If I had known in the beginning that the nylon gears wouldn't last more than a few months(each time), I would have gone ahead and spent the extra $$$ for the bronze gears, and been done with it... Adams' Apple2010-01-21 06:08:45

[QUOTE=Adams' Apple] The metal(bronze) gear sets will definitely last much longer than the cheapo nylon gears. I've replaced the gears on my '85 twice already with the nylon gears. I'll be goin for the Bronze next time I do it. If I had known in the beginning that the nylon gears wouldn't last more than a few months(each time), I would have gone ahead and spent the extra $$$ for the bronze gears, and been done with it... [/QUOTE]

Agreed....your there; put the best parts, be done with it one time.
Replace bushing while in there, clean old grease and debris, reassemble and prepare for years of no problems with the motor or correct operation (if done correctly).

Using the best parts now while it's out will keep you from doing it again in a few months. I don't know about you but I don't like taking these off the hood. And a little food for thought: a hammer will not "fix" the problem with the motor, nor will slamming it on work work bench.

[QUOTE=874noah]...And a little food for thought: a hammer will not "fix" the problem with the motor, nor will slamming it on work work bench.[/QUOTE]

Well....that might explain a few things....